Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
240Course code
Overview
The Bachelor of Accounting prepares you with professional skills to become an accountant or work in a range of roles that rely on accounting knowledge.
The course develops your communication, presentation and problem-solving skills. You'll learn about financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, business law, corporate law, and finance.
You can also choose business units to complement your personal interests and career options. Alternatively, you may choose electives from other areas, including language studies, anthropology, history, social science, Indigenous studies, applied science and engineering.
Career opportunities
Completing a Bachelor of Accounting can lead to career opportunities across a wide range of roles and organisations, from small businesses and accounting practices to large multinational companies.
Employment opportunities include roles such as financial accountant, management accountant, financial auditor, tax auditor or preparer, and financial or business analyst.
The qualification also prepares graduates to work in professional accounting firms, corporate and public-sector organisations, or to establish and manage their own business.
Professional recognition
The completion of this accredited program meets the educational requirements for professional membership with CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ).
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline, subject to meeting criteria. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
Why study accounting at CDU?
Start a career in accounting as a forward-thinking CDU graduate. You'll network with industry leaders while you develop the skills and knowledge to succeed in roles across the finance and banking industry, as well as diverse roles in the public and private sector.
- Study electives from other areas to complement your career options or interests
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study accounting at CDU?
Start a career in accounting as a CDU graduate. You'll network with industry leaders while you develop the skills and knowledge to succeed in roles across the finance and banking industry, as well as diverse roles in the public and private sector.
- Study electives from other areas to complement your career options or interests
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study accounting at CDU?
Start a career in accounting as a forward-thinking CDU graduate. You'll network with industry leaders while you develop the skills and knowledge to succeed in roles across the finance and banking industry, as well as diverse roles in the public and private sector.
- Study electives from other areas to complement your career options or interests
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study accounting at CDU?
Start a career in accounting as a CDU graduate. You'll network with industry leaders while you develop the skills and knowledge to succeed in roles across the finance and banking industry, as well as diverse roles in the public and private sector.
- Study electives from other areas to complement your career options or interests
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
What will I study?
This course contains core studies in foundational knowledge and skills required in the accounting profession. Students may choose from a range of elective units that allow them to focus on their area of interest.
Course structure
The first year provides an introduction to accounting principles, communication skills, business law, introduction to management and statistical methods.
The second year provides advanced accounting skills in areas of auditing, taxation, corporate accounting, strategic management accounting and accounting information systems.
In the final year, students undertake a capstone unit to bring together theory and concepts studied across the degree. This unit focuses on ethics and professional applications that will prepare them well for the next steps in their working life.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (18 units) | 180 cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 180 credit points as detailed below. ACT102 Introduction to Accounting COM105 Business and Communications Skills ECO107 Fundamentals of Economics (title change from 2026) LAW105 Introduction to Business Law MAN105 Introduction to Management QAB105 Business Research Methods IAS201 Cultural Capabilities ACT202 Management Accounting ACT204 Financial Accounting FIN205 Business Finance LAW205 Commercial and Corporate Law for Business ACT301 Accounting Theory and Contemporary Issues ACT302 Strategic Management Accounting ACT303 Principles of Auditing ACT304 Accounting Information Systems ACT305 Corporate Accounting TAX305 Taxation ACT410 Ethics, Governance and Professional Applications |
| Specialist Electives (0-1 units) | 0-10 cp | Optional Specialist Elective unit totalling 10 credit points as detailed below ACT306 Professional Practice Project |
| Electives (5-6 units) | 50-60 cp | Units totalling 50-60 credit points selected from undergraduate units offered by the University. When selecting electives choose units at a suitable level. A maximum of 40 credit points may be selected at 100 level as this course includes 60 credit points of compulsory 100 level units. Undergraduate units are coded at 100 to 300 level, therefore units coded as ACT1xx, ACT2xx and ACT3xx would be first, second and third year units respectively. |
| 240cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (240cp)
- A maximum of 100 credit points may be taken from 100 level units.
- A minimum of 60 credit points must be taken from 300 level units or above.
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
If course commenced prior to 2023:
No more than 20 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in a Bachelor AQF Level 7 course award and no more than 10 credit points at "PC" may be received at the highest level of the program of learning.
COURSE CHANGES and TRANSITION ARRANGEMENTS - 2027
ACT207 Finance and Poverty Alleviation in the Philippines has been removed from the course. Students who have completed this unit prior to 2027 will have it counted as a specialist elective.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | Elective = General Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| COM105 Business Communications | CO | ECO107 Fundamentals of Economics | CO |
| ACT102 Introduction to Accounting | CO | LAW105 Introduction to Business Law | CO |
| MAN105 Introduction to Management | CO | QAB105 Business Research Methods | CO |
| Elective | E | Elective | E |
| Year 2 | |||
| ACT202 Management Accounting | CO | FIN205 Business Finance | CO |
| ACT204 Financial Accounting | CO | LAW205 Commercial and Corporate Law for Business | CO |
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | ACT305 Corporate Accounting | CO |
| Elective | E | Elective | E |
| Year 3 | |||
| ACT301 Accounting Theory and Contemporary Issues | CO | ACT304 Accounting Information Systems | CO |
| ACT302 Strategic Management Accounting | CO | TAX305 Taxation | CO |
| ACT303 Principles of Auditing | CO | ACT410 Ethical and Professional Applications of Accounting | CO |
| Elective or ACT306 Professional Practice Project | E/ SE | Elective | E |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| COM105 Business Communications | CO | ECO107 Fundamentals of Economics | CO |
| ACT102 Introduction to Accounting | CO | LAW105 Introduction to Business Law | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| MAN105 Introduction to Management | CO | QAB105 Business Research Methods | CO |
| Elective | E | Elective | E |
| Year 3 | |||
| ACT202 Management Accounting | CO | FIN205 Business Finance | CO |
| ACT204 Financial Accounting | CO | LAW205 Commercial and Corporate Law for Business | CO |
| Year 4 | |||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | ACT305 Corporate Accounting | CO |
| Elective | E | Elective | E |
| Year 5 | |||
| ACT301 Accounting Theory and Contemporary Issues | CO | ACT304 Accounting Information Systems | CO |
| ACT302 Strategic Management Accounting | CO | TAX305 Taxation | CO |
| Year 6 | |||
| ACT303 Principles of Auditing | CO | ACT410 Ethical and Professional Applications of Accounting | CO |
| Elective or ACT306 Professional Practice Project | E/ SE | Elective | E |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | Elective = General Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| ACT102 Introduction to Accounting | CO | ||
| ECO107 Fundamentals of Economics | CO | ||
| LAW105 Introduction to Business Law | CO | ||
| QAB105 Business Research Methods | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| COM105 Business Communications | CO | ACT202 Management Accounting | CO |
| MAN105 Introduction to Management | CO | ACT204 Financial Accounting | CO |
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | LAW205 Commercial and Corporate Law for Business | CO |
| Elective | E | Elective | E |
| Year 3 | |||
| FIN205 Business Finance | CO | ACT304 Accounting Information Systems | CO |
| ACT301 Accounting Theory and Contemporary Issues | CO | TAX305 Taxation | CO |
| ACT302 Strategic Management Accounting | CO | ACT410 Ethical and Professional Applications of Accounting | CO |
| ACT305 Corporate Accounting | CO | Elective | E |
| Year 4 | |||
| ACT303 Principles of Auditing | CO | ||
| Elective | E | ||
| Elective or ACT306 Professional Practice Project | E/ SE | ||
| Elective | E | ||
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| ACT102 Introduction to Accounting | CO | ||
| ECO107 Fundamentals of Economics | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| COM105 Business Communications | CO | LAW105 Introduction to Business Law | CO |
| MAN105 Introduction to Management | CO | QAB105 Business Research Methods | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | ACT202 Management Accounting | CO |
| Elective | E | ACT204 Financial Accounting | CO |
| Year 4 | |||
| FIN205 Business Finance | CO | LAW205 Commercial and Corporate Law for Business | CO |
| ACT301 Accounting Theory and Contemporary Issues | CO | Elective | E |
| Year 5 | |||
| ACT302 Strategic Management Accounting | CO | ACT304 Accounting Information Systems | CO |
| Elective | E | TAX305 Taxation | CO |
| Year 6 | |||
| ACT303 Principles of Auditing | CO | ACT410 Ethical and Professional Applications of Accounting | CO |
| ACT305 Corporate Accounting | CO | Elective 4 | E |
| Year 7 | |||
| Elective or ACT306 Professional Practice Project | E/ SE | ||
| Elective | E | ||
____________________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SUMMER SEMESTER
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | Elective = General Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| ACT102 Introduction to Accounting | CO | ||||
| LAW105 Introduction to Business Law | CO | ||||
| QAB105 Business Research Methods | CO | ||||
| Elective | E | ||||
| Year 2 | |||||
| COM105 Business Communications | CO | ACT202 Management Accounting | CO | ||
| MAN105 Introduction to Management | CO | ACT204 Financial Accounting | CO | ||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | ECO107 Fundamentals of Economics | CO | ||
| Elective | E | LAW205 Commercial and Corporate Law for Business | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| FIN205 Business Finance | CO | ACT304 Accounting Information Systems | CO | ||
| ACT301 Accounting Theory and Contemporary Issues | CO | ACT410 Ethical and Professional Applications of Accounting | CO | ||
| ACT302 Strategic Management Accounting | CO | Elective | E | ||
| ACT305 Corporate Accounting | CO | Elective | E | ||
| Year 4 | |||||
| ACT303 Principles of Auditing | CO | ||||
| TAX305 Taxation | CO | ||||
| Elective | E | ||||
| Elective or ACT306 Professional Practice Project | E/ SE | ||||
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| ACT102 Introduction to Accounting | CO | ||||
| LAW105 Introduction to Business Law | CO | ||||
| Year 2 | |||||
| COM105 Business Communications | CO | QAB105 Business Research Methods | CO | ||
| MAN105 Introduction to Management | CO | ECO107 Fundamentals of Economics | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | ACT202 Management Accounting | CO | ||
| Elective | E | ACT204 Financial Accounting | CO | ||
| Year 4 | |||||
| FIN205 Business Finance | CO | LAW205 Commercial and Corporate Law for Business | CO | ||
| Elective | E | Elective | E | ||
| Year 5 | |||||
| ACT301 Accounting Theory and Contemporary Issues | CO | ACT304 Accounting Information Systems | CO | ||
| ACT302 Strategic Management Accounting | CO | ACT305 Corporate Accounting | CO | ||
| Year 6 | |||||
| ACT303 Principles of Auditing | CO | TAX305 Taxation | CO | ||
| Elective | E | ACT410 Ethical and Professional Applications of Accounting | CO | ||
| Year 7 | |||||
| Elective | E | ||||
| Elective or ACT306 Professional Practice Project | E/ SE | ||||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
- Australian Defence Force (ADF) members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
- Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
- Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
- Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
- Current School Leaver Pathways:
- Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
- School recommendation program
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the standard English language proficiency requirements for Higher Education courses at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and provide evidence as part of their application.
You can meet the minimum English language requirement by providing evidence of one of following:
| Previous study in English |
|
| AHPRA Registration | Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English Test within two years of commencement, with the minimum scores shown below. |
| Primary language pathway | Completion of six years of primary and/or secondary schooling in a recognised English-speaking country*, including at least two years between years 7-12. |
Additional information about accepted tests and the evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
^English tests - approved tests and minimum scores
| Undergraduate and postgraduate pathway program requirement | Postgraduate requirement (HDR and coursework) | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP003 | Successful completion of EAP004 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below 6.0 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 | Overall minimum: 58 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 |
Information about test validity, accepted combined test results, IELTS One Skill Retake and evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
*Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
All previous studies must have been delivered in English (medium of instruction was English). Applicants who have studied at an institution from a coutnry on the extended list must provide confirmation that their study was completed within the last five years.
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30) | Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of B2. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
The following table represents the ATAR and selection rank profile for applicants offered a place on the basis of their ATAR in semester 1, 2026
| ATAR based offers only | ATAR (excluding adjustment factors) | Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 59.25 | 61.75 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 63.35 | 69.90 |
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 91.60 | 95.40 |
Notes
"<5" indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
I love CDU! The faculty staff give out such positive vibes, inspire you to work hard and cheer you on with every step you take.
Rafat
CDU student
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
I love CDU! The faculty staff give out such positive vibes, inspire you to work hard and cheer you on with every step you take.
Rafat
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Student profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn more about accounting at CDU
Rafat is a CDU Alumni from Bangladesh and studied a Master of Professional Accounting (Professional Practice). Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn more about accounting at CDU
Rafat is a CDU Alumni from Bangladesh and studied a Master of Professional Accounting (Professional Practice). Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
MyNextCourse
Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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